There is a very disturbing new app for the Android market. The game, Dog Wars, simulates the world of dog fighting. Players can feed, water and train their virtual dogs to fight against others.

Not surprisingly, the Human Society and quarterback Michael Vick have spoken out about the game.

“I’ve come to learn the hard way that dogfighting is a dead-end street. Now, I am on the right side of this issue, and I think it’s important to send the smart message to kids, and not glorify this form of animal cruelty, even in an Android app,” Vick said in a statement posted on the Humane Society website.

The app was created by Kage games. Their website features a bloodied pit bull. Now, they stress that it is only a video game. “Perhaps one day we will make gerbil wars or beta fish wars for people who can’t understand fantast role play,” the site says.

Fantasy role playing is one thing, but let’s keep it to magical creatures and not glorify the seedy world of dogfighting. Kage Games may see it as harmless, but to send the message even in a game that it is ok to dogfight is irresponsible and disturbing.

Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle points out that the game could easily be used as a training program for would be dogfighters.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other animal rights groups have joined the Humane Society in calling for the app to be removed from the Android market place.

Michael Vick at one time had a promising career as the highest paid NFL player. That all changed in 2007 when he was arrested for dog fighting. After his conviction he spent 18 months in federal prison. It was uncertain if he would ever have an NFL career after that. Vick found redemption and is now the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.